Top 7 activities in Carcassonne

Splendid, here you are in Carcassonne! Now, what can you do to entertain yourself? In the centre of the town or in the surrounding countryside, there are a multitude of eclectic activities on offer.

Within the city walls, Carcassonne is a breeding ground for heritage discoveries. The old ways of life of the inhabitants of the medieval city are recreated and shared in small museums full of surprises. Like the shocking Musée de l’Inquisition (Inquisition Museum), you’ll need to have a good heart!

The Aude department is great for hiking. Its dry, rocky nature makes it a prime area for sporting and eco-friendly activities. Caves and deep chasms can be transformed into caving trails by the light of your headlamp. What contrasts and new sensations to experience!

What to do in Carcassonne? 7 ideas for activities

Sporting, cultural, gastronomic or unusual: our top picks will leave you spoilt for choice! Save yourself hours of searching and comparing. In our selection of activities in Carcassonne, you’ll find a superb range of experiences to share. It’s time to create some wonderful memories in the capital of the Aude.

1 – Take part in an escape game in the medieval city

Category: € / Cultural

Description: Rediscover the impressive medieval city of Carcassonne by solving an investigation packed with enigmas. Combining culture and entertainment, learn about the history and anecdotes of the most famous city in the south of France through exciting scenarios on your smartphone!

2. Discover the vines and wines of Domaine de Baronarques

photo credit Get Your Guide

Category: €€ / Gastronomic / Cultural

Description: Explore the vineyards of an estate dating back to the 16th century. From the vines to the cellar, via the vat room, the production of PGI wines will soon hold no more secrets for you. The tour ends with a tasting of the estate’s three wines: Grand Vin Rouge, La Capitale de Baronarques and Grand Vin Blanc. Don’t hesitate to take a bottle home as a souvenir, on the expert advice of your host.

3. Take a boat cruise on the Canal du Midi

Category: € / Cultural

Description: Take a seat aboard a cruise boat and let yourself be carried along the waters of the Canal du Midi. In the shade of the trees that line your path, you will cover part of the two hundred and forty kilometres of the Canal du Midi, a World Heritage site. You’ll admire the medieval city from a whole new angle, lulled by the gentle currents of this effortless ride.

4. Cycle the Carcassonne route by electric bike

Category: €€ / Sporting / Cultural

Description: Two pedal strokes and off you go! Hop on a vintage electric bike and set off to discover the secrets of Carcassonne. With their distinctive look, Alter Ride’s bikes for hire are an experience in themselves. While a long trip on a conventional bike can be exhausting because of the heat, an electric bike will drive you more than the other way round! Psst… Remember to follow the Navaway itinerary during your visit, to find out all about the wonders of the city.

5. Gentle riding in the Carcassonne valley

Category: €€ / Sensations / Sporty

Description: In the peaceful countryside of the Grand Sud, explore the Carcassonne countryside on horseback. Accompanied by a guide who is an expert on the region, recharge your batteries with the horses on a ride in search of historic monuments lost in the countryside. At the end of the ride, look out over the fields and vineyards under a golden mantle as the sun takes its final bow.

6. Test quad biking in rocky valleys

Category: €€ / Sensations / Sporty

Description: The ultimate 100% eco-friendly activity, sure to delight fans of sensational escapades in the heart of nature. Ultimately, the quadbike is the result of a fusion between a mountain bike and a quad bike. Its engine: leg power! Don’t worry, this amazing machine is easier, more comfortable and more accessible than an ATV. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the new sensations. Naturally, safety will be guaranteed throughout your ride. So, are you ready?

7. Discover caving in an underground river

Category: €€ / Unusual / Sensations / Sporty

Description: Combine a sporting expedition with a fantastic natural discovery in the Cabrespine underground river. Under the watchful eye of an expert in the underground world, try your hand at caving in complete safety. And if climbing the walls of this gigantic chasm doesn’t inspire you that much, simply visit the site. A good compromise: navigate the river and marvel at the thousand-year-old rock formations. Young and old alike will be amazed!